May 7, 2008 5:34 PM

SOURCE:
goal.com

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Redknapp Chasing Benfica Defender, Cup Glory

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp claims he is not looking past the FA Cup final, but reports indicate he has identified Benfica defender Luisao as a possible replacement for Sol Campbell…

Reports from the South Coast claim that Campbell is destined to leave Fratton Park in the summer, ending a two-season stay following his move from Arsenal in 2006.

And Redknapp has reportedly lined up Brazil international Luisao as a like-for-like replacement

An inside source said: "Campbell will leave and Luisao is the manager's preference [to replace him]. We have already spoken to Benfica and they've set the fee at £12 million as a starting point for negotiations."

Portuguese midfielder Pedro Mendes, who played against Luisao for FC Porto, added: "If Campbell's departure is confirmed, the club will look for a similar player, and Luisao is tall and strong, like Sol. It would be a good choice."

Focusing

But Redknapp, speaking on the flight deck of the HMS Ark Royal yesterday, claims he has not thought ahead to the transfer window and is focused purely on Pompey’s trip to Wembley on May 21, where they will face Cardiff City in the FA Cup final.

"I haven't thought about the summer too much, to be truthful," he said. "I'm really just focusing on the end of this season, trying to win the Cup."

Expectations

Pompey have secured a top-half finish in the Premier League, and they could finish as high as sixth if they defeat relegation-threatened Fulham in their final game this Sunday.

Redknapp is more than satisfied with his team’s efforts this season, and insists it is an achievement just to make the top 10 nowadays.

"You know what football's like; people's expectations change," he said. "You get where we've got, then they want more.

"But it's very hard to get into the top half of the Premier League because four places have gone anyway."

Slowly

Pompey face a nervous wait as to whether PFA Team of the Year keeper David James will be available to line up against Cardiff.

The England international will have scans taken on his injured calf tomorrow, and Redknapp insists he will not risk his star shot-stopper against the Cottagers even if the results are good.

"He has a scan tomorrow and hopefully it will show it has healed," said Redknapp. ''If it hasn't, then it's slowly, slowly. But I wouldn't take a chance with him [against Fulham on Sunday]."